PREVIEW: In the previous episode of our story, Aunt April had dinner with Derrick’s Uncle Jeff and told him that his involvement with the police and crime was dangerous, and that it would be better for Derrick to live with her. But Derrick told Uncle Jeff that he doesn’t want to move to Aunt April’s house.

In Episode 3, we finally learn what Clara Dunn’s problem is. Uncle Jeff and Derrick meet with Clara and she tells them about some letters her boss has received. Is someone going to die? Let’s find out.

Chapter 3

Uncle Jeff spends most of his time these days writing books. Last year, I started helping him. He needed someone to do research for him, to go to the library and to use the computer to get information. Uncle Jeff insisted on paying me some money for the work. Of course, I didn’t want to take it. I lived in his house, I ate his food, and he paid for my college tuition. I do help around the house. I clean, do the grocery shopping, and other things like that. And I was happy to do his research. But he insisted that I get paid for my work. He said I was a good assistant, a good helper. He could trust me to do a good job. I finally said okay. The money helped me to buy an old used car and some other things, too. At first, I only did research at the library and on the computer. But when he started to get involved in solving crimes, he let me help with some of the cases that he was working on. Uncle Jeff didn’t solve crimes to make a living or to make money. They always started in the same way. Someone asked for his help. _________

The next day, I came home after school around 4:00. Uncle Jeff and I had planned to talk about some work he wanted me to do for his new book. But when I stepped through the front door, I could see that he was already busy. He had a visitor. Uncle Jeff was in the living room with a woman. She was about 45 years old. She had short, blond hair and she was wearing a dark sweater and a long skirt. She was carrying an old briefcase. She looked confident, but worried. Uncle Jeff stood up when I opened the door. “Clara Dunn, I want you to meet my nephew, Derrick Cruz,” my uncle said. The woman stood up and I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Professor Dunn,” I said. I turned to go to my room. “Wait, Derrick. If you have some time, I would like you to hear what Professor Dunn has to say,” he said. “I already told her that you are my assistant.” I looked at Uncle Jeff to make sure he was serious. Clara Dunn said in her email that this was an important matter. He gave me a quick nod. “Sure,” I said quickly and sat down in a chair next to Uncle Jeff. “Please go on, Clara,” Uncle Jeff said. “You were telling us about some letters.” Clara Dunn looked at her hands and sighed. She looked tired. “Yes, letters,” said Professor Dunn. “As you know, I now work at California University. I have worked in the psychology department for about three years. Last year, I was promoted and became the assistant dean of the College.” She continued, “The dean — Alan Maurie — is in charge, of course.